Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe, French W.I.

Been back to the Isle of Man for a spell whilst the works were being done.
On my return have found various things not done or completed by local Amel
office resulting in my being delayed here. Just two examples, rope cutter
not fitted. Not even ordered. Has to be obtained from La Rochelle, France
and shipped out. Boat has then to be returned to dry dock for it to be
fitted. Only opening section of cockpit Plexiglass windshield replaced.
Other side not done, etc.

Met a number of nice people whilst I've been here on the dock. Met up
again with Peter Turner the winner of my Amel ARC Trophy on Amel 54,
Asolare. Peter was here getting final repairs etc done to Asolare before
heading back to St Lucia to commence the World ARC. Also re-newed my
acquantance with another new Amel 54 owner Keith Moffat and partner Helen
who I first met in Antigua's Jolly Harbour. They are also delayed here due
to numerous problems on the new boat ranging from the engine turbo, to a
host of problems with the electronics as well as deck and rigging
fittings.

The local meeting point for English speaking yachties is the 'Pirates of
the Caribbean' restaurant and bar situated within the marina area. Here
the English speaking staff are friendly and welcoming. You can get a good
meal from an 'English' menu and have free WiFi access a facility which is
well used.

During my time awaiting for the completion of the works I have hired a car
and done the island from north to south and east to west. I have been on
dives, mainly on the west coast and walked the rain forests. They get a
lot of rain here which I have witnessed at first hand; tropical downpours
that result in many flooded roads.

Summary on Guadeloupe - not bad but in my view not as nice as the other
French islands I have visited.